Colorado has gained a rep for its abundant micro-breweries on the Front Range and elsewhere and also boasts scores of vineyards and wineries from the Western Slope to the eastern Plains. More distilleries are now entering the state’s adult beverage mix. The first I encountered was Peach Street Distillers in Palisade. At the time, it seemed like a novelty, but when Stranahan’s Whiskey emerged in Denver, it was clear that a boom was being born.

Belly up to Mile High Spirits’ bar or have your drinks in the lounge, furnished with deep sofas and chairs.

Spirits are now a serious business in Colorado, most recently as evidenced by Mile High Spirits, a Denver private label and custom brand distillery. An old muffler shop has been reborn as a state-of- the-art facility in the River North area. It is one of just 3 (or is it 5?) distilleries in the world to use an all-glass still, meaning that there are no metals and impurities picked up throughout the distilling process. The result: a pure, crisp and high-quality product possible.

A collection of house-Infused vodkas such as pineapple, mixed berry, cucumber and pickle peperoncini (really).

Visit Denver arranged for a media group visit to tour the distillery and taste its products. You might have drunk private-label spirits without knowing that they came from this facility. Its own labels are Elevate Vodka, Fireside Whiskey, Peg Leg Rum and Denver Dry Gin served at the bar, at a table or in the lounge (and also found increasingly elsewhere in the local market). Signature drink: Mile High Mule made with infused vodka, ginger beer and a slice of fresh citrus. Next time I’m ordering one!

Fold-your-own soft tacos from Mestizos.

After some infused vodka, a potent bloody Mary and a distillery tour, I was hungry and since Mile High Spirits doesn’t serve food, I was grateful when Mestizos Fusion Tacos food truck pulled up and opened its window. Authentic ingedients and recipes, plus low prices make this truck a favorite as it prowls the city. Four flavors each of soft tacos, burritos and quesadillas, regular or naked fajitas and a couple of sides (including guac served in a half avocado shell) and some nightly specials — and that’s about it.

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